Another 1911 Thread

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ycastane

New member
I want to get my first 1911 and after reading a few threads here and looking at several options of 1911 I'm confused.

I think I'm going Colt but I'd like some opinions from those whom already own 1911s. Budget is $1200, not a penny more unless is taxes and that kind of stuff. Thanks gents!!!
 
For $1200, you should get a Kimber instead of colt. Colt is old school and everyone should have one. But should start something more 2015 first
 
A "1911" doesn't go very far in describing what you want the gun for?
It's like saying you want buy a vehicle; truck, SUV, sports car?
The last new 1911 I bought was a Springfield Range Officer. It's well within your price range, has most of the really functional improvements compared to a basic pistol, and with excellent customer service to back it up.
Colt's XSE line is similar, with a lot of the "features" that people want, and still within your price range.
I like the basic Colt Series 80 Government Model, often called the "1991", as it has good sights, classic looks, and is a great basis for later modification if you decide you want additional features. I added an extended thumb safety, did a little work on the trigger, but it doesn't "need" anything else.
 
I suggest you look at what you want in a gun first...:

a. barrel length ...5", 4.5", 4"....etc
b. frame material
c. blued, stainless or anodized
d. night sights..
e. cocking cerrations on front and rear of slide
f. caliber...9mm and .45 acp are common...
g. frame size...full size, commander, etc..
h. ambi safeties...or not...
I. Mag well or speed chute...or neither...
j. checkering on the front strap...
k. bull barrel or bushing...

Some of them will eliminate some of your low price options...

Colt, Springfield, STI, Sig ...make some decent 1911's in your budget...

As a note ...some of the Colts I've seen lately for around $1,000 have had decent triggers in them...some not so much / some of the Springfield range office models have had some real crummy triggers in them...

Learn how to evaluate the triggers on a 1911....creep, slack ...and judge how they break.../ mostly it comes down to what you like, what fits your hands the best and budget..../ a Sig 1911 will not fit a standard 1911 holster - the slide is a little different shape.../ all the little stuff matters...
 
I own Colt and Kimber. My Kimber is a 9mm Target, its tight and very accurate. Function after the first 100 rnds and cleaning has been near flawless until I had to replace the main spring at about 2000rnds.
Having said that. If I was to buy a $1200 new 1911 today I would likely go with STI. Either way dont let the Kimber haters with a bug up their nose tell you that Kimber is anything other than one of many quality 1911 manufacturers. The few times I contacted customer support by phone or e-mail I got instant or quick response.
Buy what looks nice to you and has the features you want. I dont know of any problematic 1911's in the $900+ range
 
My Kimber Custom II is a better gun than any Colt I've ever owned despite the internet bashing. I also bought a S&W 1911 used a few years ago. It is better than either my Colt or Kimber. Liked it enough that I jumped on a 2nd used S&W 1911. There may be better, but the 2 S&W's I own are the best I've ever owned.

Granted, I bought mine used several years ago for $700-$800, I'm not certain the street price on a new one is under $1,200
 
iviax said:
For $1200, you should get a Kimber instead of colt. Colt is old school and everyone should have one. But should start something more 2015 first
Click to expand...
Kimbers have a LOT more problems than Colts, and Kimber uses a lot more MIM parts. I would not hesitate to buy a new Colt (if I didn't already own a couple), whereas I would never buy a Kimber, and if given one I would sell it immediately.

There are several Colt models that can easily be bought for under $1200 out the door.
 
i don't think you could ever go wrong with determining the features you want and getting the Springfield model that satisfies that list. Nearly everything in their lineup (except the TRP model) should be in your budget.

I personally have their Loaded model and it has been flawless.
 
I'm going this weekend to a local show and I'm going to take a look at several models and brands and get a feel for them.

I want a 5" barrel, aluminum I guess (need to research more), not sure of caliber yet, blued or 2 tone, full size most likely, in general I need to do more research since some questions I didn't know what they meant, gun will be used for range time and open carry when I hunt or fish on the boat as well as home defense along with the rest of the family.
 
Originally Posted by iviax
For $1200, you should get a Kimber instead of colt. Colt is old school and everyone should have one. But should start something more 2015 first
Click to expand...

Pretty sure the Colt will have a better resale value than a Kimber.
 
I think you are on the right track. Try handling a few brands with different features and feel the difference. Some like aluminum frames, some don't. I like steel frames but that's just me. The biggest advantage to steel is that the weight tends to suck up more of the recoil, but that is subjective.

Try not to get too wowed about all the custom features that most manufacturers tend to put on their higher priced models.

There are those who wont own a Colt/Kimber/STI-take your pick, and others wont own anything else but their chosen brand.

I would advise you to go to a range that rents 1911s-there are many, and try shooting one. That would be the best testament of them all, because its YOUR hands shooting, not somebody else.

One cautionary note...if you do in fact like the big swoopy beavertails, extended thumb safeties, ambidextrous safeties and such, try to find a model with them already installed instead of trying to add them later. Its cheaper that way.

For me, I like the basic blued 1911 so I have a couple of Colts which fit my needs. If you are looking for a basic model, the Colt is selling at a very reasonable price on line. Buds guns and a few others are selling basic Colts at prices I haven't seen in a while.
 
All my 45ACP handguns are Colts. If you want a 1911 style handgun, then my first suggestion would be a Colt. The last one I bought increased in value by $500 since I bought it, thus if you don't like it, for some reason, you won't loose money on it. I prefer the Series 80 Combat Commander myself, but the Government model or small Defender are nice as well depending on you needs.

I also would tend to suggest a steel frame, and if you want to get the most out of the 45ACP round, I'd suggest the 5" barrel. I saw that Colt was bringing back the Series 70's, be aware that the series 70 does not have the firing pin block. Just FYI if you didn't know.

Hooyah
 
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The 1911 Buyers Guide compiled by Bac1023 can be found here:

http://1911addicts.com/threads/buyer...1-addicts.511/

It's a remarkable reference but maybe a bit overwhelming.

My personal favorite is the Springfield Armory Range Officer and it's well within your price range.

http://www.springfield-armory.com/19...ngeOfficer.htm

It's got adjustable sights (which I like) it's well made, reliable and SA has a good reputation for customer service.

Basically the gun has everything I like and doesn't have extra stuff I don't want to pay more for. YMMV

P.S. If you want this gun for concealed carry, well, IMhO there are much better choices than a 1911 for that.
 
One of the recent gun rags had an article on the A.O. 1911 A1. If you choose this shooter you'll save lotsa bucks, learn how to do a trigger job and have a shooter John Browning would recognize. You won't be able to pontificate on sights, finish, dual gas pedals, etc. Just a thought.
 
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